This happened about six months ago. The electricity went off in my apartment for a minute or two, then came back on. Before the electricity went off, my answering machine showed 0 messages. After the electricity went back on, my answering machine showed 2 messages????? The circuit breakers are in my apartment and all were in the on position. Today, the electricity went off for a few seconds, then came back on. What could account for the incident with the answering machine incident? How is this possible? Why wouldn't the answering machine show 0? And no one called and left messages during the time the electricity was off.
2007-06-25 12:34:07 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
You didn't say, but I expect your answering machine is the kind with a magnetic cassette tape to record the messages. That tape is the only non-volatile storage in the machine. When it records a message, it records an 'end of data' record after the message, then backspaces over that record. The next message overlays that record, and is itself followed by another EOD. When you press the button to clear the messages, the machine doesn't bother to rewind the tape and write EOD marks. So, when the power comes back on, the machine rewinds the tape and plays it to see how many messages there are, and displays that number. They just didn't bother to design the machine to properly handle the relatively uncommon occurrence of a power failure.
2007-06-25 16:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It would be difficult to say without knowing more about your answering machine, but I'm guessing you might have had a slight power spike when the electricity went off and then again when it went back on, and the answering machine may have interpreted them as incoming calls. This would probably be possible with some digital answering machines.
You might want to see about putting your answering machine on a surge protector if you don't already have it on one. It probably is nothing to be overly concerned about.
2007-06-25 13:26:14 · answer #2 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you familiar with the term "Paranormal"??? I Would advise you to take a long hard look at your library for clues as to who lived at your current residence !! Check for things like a murder, or an un-solved mystery which could have occured at your address or even on the property where you currently live.
Don't be frightened tho. as ghosts or the paranormal ,,, usually are harmless. Purchase a couple of boxes of salt .... and pour the salt lightly all around the perimeter of your property....even if its in an apartment complex......... and chant "I command you to leave this place" !!! Now get to the library and do your homework assignment...... Look up anything in regards to your neighborhood, or your address. Look back to about the late 1960"s to early 80's...... or past that...... or anything which may include a fire, or anything relating to electricity....... and GOOD LUCK !!!!!!
2007-06-25 20:02:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Frank N answered you write but I am no expert myself in these matters. That would seem more plausible than a supernatural explanation although that would be slightly more fun, for me personally.
My assumption is that you did listen to the "messages" but it sounded electrical if not garbled. That's why FN's explanation sounded plausible.
2007-06-26 13:06:46 · answer #4 · answered by Uncle Remus 54 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is it per chance an external service like BT1571 where you phone it because your Service provider may not have been affected if its with you then it may have been left but not registered on the phone when you checked but did register after or your just deaf and didn't hear it ringing after the power went out
2007-06-25 12:56:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋